George Austin Moore, claiming to be the best chili maker in America, served what was then referred to as a Mexican delicacy to guests seated backstage at Seattle's Orpheum Theatre on Third Avenue and Madison Street. At the time, Mr. Moore and his wife Cordelia Haager were performing their song and dance act in Seattle on the Orpheum Circuit, a chain of vaudeville and movie theaters. The 92 guests at the dinner were actors and actresses performing and scheduled to perform on the circuit, as well as friends and acquaintances in the profession.
Two individuals in this image are identified with arrows at bottom: at left is local real estate developer Harry Whitney Treat (1865-1922); on the right is American actress and singer Lillian Russell (circa 1860-1922), who was given the place of honor at the dinner. Miss Russell may have been in Seattle promoting one of her motion picture appearances, 1915's "Wildfire" with Lionel Barrymore.
Handwritten on verso: Lillian Russell (noted on front) was a very famous stage actress. "Daddy" with the arrow next to Lillian Russell is Harry Whitney Treat (my grandfather). Patricia Treat (Nichols) Schweitzer, 6/9/10.
ID Number: 2010.46.1
Date: 1915
Physical Description: 1 photographic print mounted on cardboard : b&w ; 7.75 x 9.75 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
